by Bry Ann
“What do you want Logan?”
“Can I help you with anything?” he said with his signature cocky smile.
Bursting out laughing, I turned around.
“Oh really, could you help with anything? Do you know how to do anything in the kitchen?”
He seemed slightly embarrassed at that but kept a smile on his face.
“When I was a kid I helped my mom. I'm sure I could remember some stuff.”
I realized that was the first time he had discussed his family or anyone close to him. I furrowed my brow trying to think of why that was. He must have instantly known my thoughts because he cut the silence quickly.
“So I can I help?”
He was unable to hide the anxiety from his voice.
It was at that moment Logan became human to me. I didn’t hate him anymore. I really couldn’t and had no reason to. He had been nothing but nice to me and apparently my mom. She had always been embarrassed by her cancer and the current state of her body, so for her to invite him in was a big deal.
“You can grab some plates and cups. Top left cabinet for the plates, bottom left for the cups.”
He nodded and began searching for them.
“Logan?” I whispered
“Yeah?”
He turned to face me.
“The magazines. I never thanked you. Thank you so much. Honestly, I know that had to be hard.”
He nodded slowly eyeing me up and down, seemingly unsure about my sudden gentleness.
“Of course.”
“Did they give you shit?”
“Yeah,” he said with a laugh, “and one was just adamant it wouldn’t happen.”
“It’s fine. I told you I wasn’t expecting perfection. I just needed it to be easier than it was.”
Logan’s face dropped, and it was ripe with determination. “Oh, I got it taken down! It just took some persuading.”
I sat the glasses down and tried to ignore the increase in my heart rate. He was making me nervous. I’d never been nervous around anyone. I never cared enough to be nervous. All that mattered was my mom. Now that I was pretty sure that Logan was genuine it changed the game. No one had ever put up with me and seen past my walls, expect for my mom. He was attractive but more than that he got me. That scared me. My biggest fear has always been losing someone I cared about, and if I were going to lose anyone it would be superstar Logan Prescott. My hands shook, but I fought to sound cool and collected.
“So that’s why,” I cleared my throat, “That’s why no one said anything to me at work today.”
Logan was staring at me, and I could tell he knew I was touched. “Yep, that’d be why.”
“Well thank you.”
I could feel Logan smirking at me from behind. I ignored him and cut my square of lasagna, followed by my mom’s. I set my knife down on the lasagna to cut Logan’s and realized I had no idea how much this guy wanted since he probably never ate this type of food, judging strictly by the state of his body. Logan was still watching me, and I think he could tell I was unsure about his plate. He walked up behind me and took my wrist in his hand and started cutting the lasagna. I froze instantly. His large firm hands swallowed most of my upper arm. I could feel his rock-hard body against me.
I was so tense. I should have pushed him away, but I didn’t want to. My whole body was lit with a fire I hadn’t felt in a long time. In the midst of my dilemma, Logan stepped back, and I realized his piece of lasagna was on a plate. I turned around and realized he was still extremely close to me. I just stared at him completely in shock about what had just happened. He smirked knowingly, seemingly aware of exactly what was going on in my body. He then reached around me, grabbed the plates and walked into the dining room, leaving me there openly gawking.
It took me a few seconds to snap out of it. It being the sense of arousal he ignited in my body. He was too damn good looking. It was unfair. After I’d calmed down a bit, I grabbed the waters and walked out of the kitchen to set them on the table by the plates. Logan and my mom were seated with their food in front of them. I sat down quickly and quietly. My mom said a prayer, and then we all started eating. For a few minutes, we all sat in silence. My mom spoke first.
“So, tell us about yourself, Logan.”
He squirmed a bit in his seat and then gave his best dashing smile.
“I’m sure you’ve heard all about me.”
“Well, I want to hear it from you.”
He looked at my mom stunned for a second, almost like no one had ever really given a damn about his personal interests outside of the tabloids. I almost wished I’d stop seeing this more vulnerable side of him because it was softening me up.
“Well, uh, singing and acting are kind of my passions in life. I also really enjoy weight training. Other than that I'm just kind of an average 20 something-year-old guy.”
My mom smiled, “What about your family? What are they like?”
He instantly tensed. I picked up on it. My mom seemingly didn’t.
“Are you enjoying your dinner Logan?”
I changed the subject for him. I had his back like he’d had mine. My mom didn’t seem to notice, but Logan shot me an extremely grateful look.
“Yes, thank you.”
The rest of the dinner went well. It was nice to have another person in the room. For once there wasn’t the constant awareness of my mom’s cancer. We hadn’t had that in years. A little over 20 minutes into the dinner I realized my mom was feeling sick, so I excused the two of us and walked my mom into her room. I held her hair back as she threw up. I then helped her wash off and tucked her into bed.
“Sammie,” my mom called as I started to walk out. “He’s nice in person. Isn’t he?”
I froze. “Yeah, he’s not bad.”
“He got those magazines taken down for you.”
“Yeah looks like it,” I said without thinking and then looked up shocked. “You knew?!”
“Honey,” my mom said, unable to fight the sleep her meds her lulled her into. “I always know,” she said quietly, “Always.”
I stood frozen. My mom was so much stronger than I ever gave her credit for. I almost started crying realizing how much she knew about me. I thought I was so alone this whole time, and it turned out I never was.
My room was right next door so I went in there to get comfy. I changed into baggy shorts and a t-shirt. I walked back into the living room and saw Logan sitting on the couch.
“You’re still here?” I whispered loudly.
“Well yeah. No one said bye other than your mom. You just walked out.”
“Oh well bye.”
I was totally silently judging him for being so dorky. Not a word I thought I’d ever use to describe him. Logan still didn’t move, and I instantly became aware of his eyes on mine and wrapped my hands around my waist. “Are you gonna leave or are you gonna just sit there and stare?”
“Why did you hate me so much? The honest reason. I get hating the person portrayed in the media, trust me I do. Loads of people do, but your hatred felt different. It felt personal. It’s not just my media persona you hated; it was me. Why?”
“I still hate you.”
Logan smirked. “No, you don’t. I didn’t see you pushing me off you in the kitchen.”
“I was surprised! That’s all. Angry, but surprised.”
“Angry but surprised?” Logan laughed loudly. His laugh was loud and deep before I shushed him, reminding him my mom was asleep.
“Yes, angry but surprised.”
Logan chuckled, “Man you are something.”
I crossed my arms over my chest defensively.
“Well, I see I'm not gonna get a straight answer out of you yet. I should go. Don’t go hooking up with any sketchy bartenders in my absence.”
I instantly covered my face with my hands and groaned. “Man, it is so embarrassing you know that. I can’t believe my mom said that in front of you!”
Logan was full on cracking up now. “I’l
l see you around Sam.”
Logan shut the door behind him. Somehow he’d manage to turn a night that started out so dark and so painful into one full of laughs and good conversation. I wanted my walls that were built so high to be just as strong as they once were, but the fact was he was breaking through them. I needed new defenses.
Chapter 4:
About a week went by, and things went back to normal. I worked a lot and kept researching ways to earn the rest of the money I needed to save my mom. I was still pissed at Shauna for telling Logan about my mom. Logan knowing hadn’t been as bad as I thought, but I was still mad she betrayed my trust like that. The only thing keeping me from starting a scene at work and cursing Shana out was the fact that she didn’t tell Logan about the procedure I was working so hard to pay for. I think I’d die if he knew. Half of me thought he would think I was just befriending him so I could get money out of him. If that were the case, I would lose him. Losing him scared me more than I cared to admit. The other half of me believed he would be the kind of guy to help me. Logan had the funds and a good heart. If he helped me not only would my ego take a huge hit, but I’d owe him. I was selfish, but I believed I could do it on my own without owing anyone. Without risking developing feelings for anyone. I could only push so many feelings aside, and I was currently at my max.
I finished my shift on Friday night, said goodbye to everyone and headed out the front door in my usual attire. The minute I walked outside a tall blonde in black sunglasses surrounded by two even larger men sidetracked me.
I rolled my eyes and walked over.
“Are you stalking me? How do you know when I get off?”
Logan laughed, but didn't respond. We both knew my schedule was as predictable as hell.
“You still owe me for the magazines. You said I could take you somewhere.”
“I thought the dinner made it even.”
“Nope, I was your mom’s guest.”
“Oh, you know how to find loopholes don’t you.”
“Always. Feel like riding in an actual car today?” He shot me a sexy smile and held the door to his black Cadillac open.
“Oh haha, you are so funny.”
I rolled my eyes and got in the car. How could I say no to that? I couldn’t. Hell no one could.
I slid into the car. It was so neat to be sitting in real leather seats. It felt cool under my skin. It took a lot of self-control to not act like a giddy teenager. Once Logan was in behind me I looked up front. The driver was a large black man I also knew to be one of Logan’s security guards.
“Hey, I’m Sam. I wanted to formally introduce myself since Logan isn’t going to.”
I saw the driver struggle to hold back his smile.
“Nice to meet you miss. You can call me Jerry.”
“Okay Jerry, but let’s get one thing straight. My name is Sam not miss. You don’t work for me. I can call you Jerry so you can call me Sam. Capeesh? Cool, Capeesh.”
Jerry looked back at Logan for help. Logan shrugged.
“You’re on your own here buddy. I get enough confusing shit from her.”
“Yeah by choice. You’re the one who keeps roping me into these crazy scenarios.”
“What’s crazy to you mi- Sam?” Jerry asked.
“Uh, this whole thing. I’m a waitress Jerry. A flipping waitress. I’m a little confused why I am sitting in a limo with a mega superstar right now.”
“It’s a Cadillac, not a limo if that helps.”
“Yeah no. Nice try,”
Jerry laughed.
“Well, I’m sure you will get used to it.”
He quickly looked back a Logan panicked. The elephant in the room: How long was I staying around? Was this just some game to get a stubborn girl to hang with him or did he want to be my friend. Jerry and I must have looked ridiculous. Jerry looked freaked out, worried he might get fired for his comment, and I was curious as hell.
Logan gave no reaction whatsoever, but a little shrug of his left shoulder.
“She’ll get used to it.”
That was officially the end of me and Jerry’s conversation. Both of us sat stunned by Logan’s comment. When I got on a first name basis with the staff of the number one celebrity in the country I do not know. This was all still completely insane to me. Logan must have seen the look of daze on my face, because I saw him subtly smiling to himself.
“Where are we going, Logan?”
“You’ll see.”
“I hate surprises,” I said sharply.
“Oh well too bad. It’s so fun to see you angry.”
“Well in that case I am not angry. I’m perfectly content.”
“Well great! Then you’ll see when we get there.”
I rolled my eyes and shot him the death glare. To distract myself I looked out the window and watched as the buildings passed. I was in awe of the car and the view of the city it gave me. The other time I was in his car I was angry and not paying attention. This time I could appreciate it. I could appreciate the view and the comfort of a car like this. I went to roll down the window, but Logan quickly grabbed my wrist.
“Don’t roll down the window,” he snapped.
A little shocked at his harsh tone I quickly removed my arm.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so abrupt. It’s just not safe.”
“Oh sorry,” I winced. “I didn’t mean to put you guys in danger. I’m sorry.”
Logan laughed grimly, “Sam I’ve rolled the window down hundreds of times. I just don’t want anyone hurting you.”
I turned my head around quickly. “What?”
“You’re my friend. I don’t want anyone hurting you because you’re in my car. Jealousy is a dangerous thing.”
“Friend?” I asked stunned. “We’re not friends… I don’t have…”
“You don’t have friends. I know… blah, blah, blah,” then he turned to me, “See neither do I so I figure that’s why this could work.”
“You have friends…”
“Do I? Friends, people who like me for me and not my celebrity status, money or looks. No, Sam, I don’t have those.”
I furrowed my eyebrows. “The other night at dinner when my mom bought up your family you were tense.”
“You’re considering things too deeply.” His words were sharp, and Logan immediately turned to look out the window.
“Hey,” I said putting my hand on his shoulder, “I know all about family issues. I won’t judge you.”
He shot me a sad smile. “I believe you, Sam.”
“Just not ready to talk about it then?”
“Yeah, not ready, besides we are here.”
“What?”
I removed my hand and looked out the window. I couldn’t see anything other than some bushes.
“Am I about to be murdered? Where are we?”
Logan laughed. “Always with the dramatics. I’ll show you. Get out of the car.”
“Bossy,” I mumbled as I got ready to exit the car. Before I could do anything the door swung open and one of the bodyguards extended his hand out to help me.
“Thank you,” I said with a warm smile. “Thank you very much Jerry.”
He nodded, but I could see a faint smile on his lips.
“You want to keep making friends with Marcus over there or do you want to see the surprise.”
“The surprise,” I said turning around to face him. Logan was just shaking his head, laughing quietly. I smiled and turned back around to Mr. Francis. “Don’t let him kill me, K?”
Mr. Francis seemed to struggle to keep his laughter under control. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Thanks,” I said brightly before turning back to Logan. Logan rolled his eyes and headed for the trail. We took a path in between the bushes, and it led to a fence. Logan used a key card to open it, and I followed him in.
“Where are we?”
“You’ll see.”
I knew I should have felt sketchy about this, but for some darn reason I trusted him and kept fol
lowing the path. After about a quarter of a mile, the brush cleared, and I looked out to see a beautiful small lake and a small hill of rocks that went down to the shore.
“Oh. My. Gosh,” I said breathlessly. “Logan… this is… I …” I couldn’t form a proper sentence. This was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
Logan laughed at my lack of articulation. “This is a private lake here in Nashville. I bought it with a small group of people a while back. It’s shared. I thought you’d like it.”
“I love it. Thank you for showing me this. Thank you so much.”
He smiled, seemingly pleased with himself.
“Let’s go down to the shore. Can you get down these rocks okay?”
“Of course, I can!”
How dare he insinuate I need help?
He held up his hands in surrender. “Just checking. You go first. I’ll follow.”
“You are still making sure I get down okay.”
Logan smiled warmly, and I started heading down. At first it wasn’t too hard, but some rocks were pointy. A few times I caught myself tripping, and Logan had to grab my arm to steady me.
“Glad I went behind you now?”
“I would have made it.”
“With stitches.”
“That’s still making it.”
“I suppose it is,” he said laughing, “but it’s better with me here.”
I had a feeling this wasn’t just about the rocks now; it was about this friendship Logan was so set on us having. I ignored him and raced down the rocks faster, quickly reaching the bottom.
Once I was down there, I sat on the rock closest to the shore and watched the water hit my feet. Logan sat down next to me and set his backpack down beside him.
“What’s in the bag?”
“Oh, you’ll see.”
“You can’t tell me now.”
“You’ll only like if I tell you once you’ve warmed up to being here with me.”
“Okay…” I said with a tinge of curiosity.
“So, Sam, why are you so standoffish? What is it that makes you so angry at the world?”
“It’s just how I am.”
“Maybe try being more specific than that.”
